Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday warned lawyers involved in the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to desist from approaching him for favours, stressing that his courtroom would not tolerate impropriety.
The judge cautioned that his perceived leniency should not be mistaken for weakness, declaring emphatically that he remains “unapproachable” when it comes to matters before his court.
“I want to admonish and warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing in before. All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me,” Justice Nwite said.
He added that the best service lawyers could render to their clients was competent legal representation, not undue influence.
“The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned. I want to warn each and every litigant and lawyer appearing before this court to understand the way this court works. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned,” he declared.
Malami is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
One of the charges alleges that Malami and his son, between July 2022 and June 2025, procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of ₦1.01 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank account, knowing or having reason to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Another count alleges that Malami, his son, and his wife conspired to disguise over ₦1.04 billion transacted through Meethaq Hotels Limited’s Union Bank account between November 2022 and September 2024.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite granted the three defendants bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that the sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within Abuja, and that all documents be verified and deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The defendants were also directed to deposit their international passports with the court and remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are perfected.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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